Saturday Jan 27, 2018
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM EST
January 27, 2018, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
downtown Wilson at the Edna Boykin Cultural Center (former Edna Boykin Theater), 108 Nash Street NE, Wilson, NC 27893
No Fee to Enter Contest Admission will be collected at the door
Olga Abrams
252-234-5900
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The Upper Coastal Plain Business Development Center is hosting a regional business plan competition entitled DreamFest 2018. DreamFest 2018 is planned for Saturday, January 27, 2017 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will be held in downtown Wilson at the Edna Boykin Cultural Center (former Edna Boykin Theater), 108 Nash Street NE, Wilson, NC 27893. Potential and existing entrepreneurs in operation three years or less compete (to include college students) from Edgecombe, Halifax, Nash, Northampton and Wilson Counties have the opportunity to compete for $10,000. Two motivational speakers are planned who will share their challenges, experiences and successes in developing and growing a small business. Julius Tillery is This event is designed in two parts: (1) a comprehensive written business plan and (2) an oral presentation and business viability component. Participants are required to complete both parts to be eligible to win an award. The awards range up to $10,000 for first prize. There will be a second, third prize, as well as, a student prize and six month’s rent free at the BDC incubator and all of it’s amenities. Pre-registration is required and participants must register by end of day November 30, 2017. The proposed business plan should be developed based on a proposed business venture (start-up) or existing business in operation three (3) years or less. There will be a panel of five (5) judges with expertise in the areas of entrepreneurship and finance. The entrepreneur will make an oral presentation on the day of the event to a panel of five judges and a live audience. The five judges will review the final business plan submissions by January 4th, giving time for them to collaborate and discuss the business plans submitted at which point they will select the finalists for the DreamFest 2018 oral presentation. Registration and festivities will begin at 9 a.m. Downtown restaurants will be open for breakfast and lunch and food trucks that always add that festive touch will be available as well. Site registration will open at 9 a.m. and the program will begin at 10:30 a.m. after the festivities.